Thailand forum

I take the western side to be just over the headland from Ton Sai and running east to the small river which separates it from Hat Ton Son which is usually regarded as eastern NT.

Well, the western side is a pretty nice stretch of sand with some good views of offshore karst islands and Kos Yao Noi and Yai, but like the eastern side the water does tend to be pretty shallow low tide.

Not really a tourist beach, but tends to be popular with locals on weekends and other non-work periods. Quite a few food vendors set up in various places.

East NT tends to be a fair bit quieter. Still shallow water at low tide. Although there are some bungalow places, it is within the National Park and so living there would be pretty difficult.

If island living is not out of the question, I would be maybe thinking of somewhere on Ko Jum.

Sampan, do you mean the largely undeveloped strip between the red marker and the river to the right? If so that is the area we're talking about in the Haad Nopphara Thara page as the "Western" bit.

It's been a long time since we've been through there -- as tezza says, there were some good cheap places to stay there -- not sure about now. The beach is very shallow and windblown, but I liked it a lot. Certainly suitable for a very slow couple of weeks

Just took a closer look at the photo -- it is West Railay -- the roofs of the rooms are those distinct mushroom two storey villa things at the Rayavadee.

Thanks a lot for the replies!

Yes somtam, that's the stretch i was thinking about. For some reason i was hoping the beach to be less shallow on that side (too bad the pic was from some where else though, happens quite a bit with google maps i suppose). I think i will have to go there too have a look at least.

Now, after reading on your (excellent!) blog about Ko jum Tezza, I'm beginning to think that it could be a very good choice after all, it looks fantastic! Initially i was thinking that living on an island would limit the possibilities to get around and explore the area too much, but now i'm not sure it matters a hole lot.

However, if anyone has any tips about places on the mainland i would be very grateful.

I should also mention that i will be travelling on a "backpacker budget" :)


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Most places I go have some-one can give a massage.